In a significant setback to the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line, veteran interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig has suffered a torn rotator cuff, leading to his placement on season-ending injured reserve. The injury occurred during Pittsburgh's final training camp practice, creating a substantial void in the offensive lineup.
Herbig's Impact and Role Transition
Nate Herbig, a 26-year-old six-year veteran, was transitioning to the center position after spending the majority of his first five NFL seasons playing guard. With 61 regular-season games under his belt, including 30 starts, Herbig was poised to be the Steelers' starting center this season. His experience and versatility were expected to be pivotal in bolstering the team's offensive line. However, the injury has forced the team to make alternate arrangements to fill the crucial role vacated by Herbig.
Enter Zach Frazier
Stepping into the breach is rookie second-round pick Zach Frazier, who will now assume the starting center position. Despite the challenging circumstances, Frazier showcased his potential during his first career start in a preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills. The rookie's composure and readiness have impressed many within the organization.
Quarterback Russell Wilson highlighted Frazier's poise, saying, "Anytime you're playing with a rookie center, you're playing with younger players, it's the eye contact in the huddle that you see. Does a guy blink or not? Is he fearful? And he has none of that." Such a commendation from a seasoned quarterback underscores the significant expectations placed upon Frazier as he steps into a prominent role.
Additional Challenges
The Steelers' offensive line woes do not end with Herbig's injury. Rookie tackle Troy Fautanu sustained an injury during Pittsburgh's preseason-opening loss to the Houston Texans and will be sidelined for several weeks. This additional setback has compounded the challenges facing the Steelers as they attempt to solidify their starting offensive line ahead of the regular season.
Throughout their first two preseason games, the Steelers' offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection for quarterbacks Wilson and Justin Fields. The inconsistent performance has raised concerns about the unit's readiness to face the rigors of the upcoming season.
Projected Starting Lineup
Despite these injuries, the Steelers are determined to piece together a cohesive and effective offensive line. The likely starting five, as it stands, will include Frazier at center, Fautanu at tackle once he returns from injury, veteran guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo, and second-year tackle Broderick Jones. Meanwhile, five-year offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. is actively competing to retain his spot in the starting lineup.
The team's coaching staff remains committed to fine-tuning the offensive line, seeking the right combination of players to ensure protection and productivity. The integration of both seasoned veterans and promising rookies will be pivotal in establishing the necessary synergy to support the Steelers' offensive aspirations.
As the regular season approaches, the Steelers will continue to monitor the health and performance of their offensive line, making adjustments as needed to mitigate the impact of these early-season injuries. The team's resilience and strategic approach will be crucial in overcoming these adversities and striving for success in the upcoming campaign.